Northern Holly Fern
ExplorePlants
Northern Holly Fern
polystichum lonchitis
The Northern Holly Fern has beautiful, glossy green leaves that look like little stars! It loves to grow in shady, moist places where it can spread its fronds wide.
Habitat: It lives in moist, shady forests and along streams.
Appearance
The Northern Holly Fern is a stiff, upright fern with distinctive, dark green fronds that resemble holly leaves. Its leathery, evergreen leaflets have finely toothed edges and a small, ear-like lobe at their base. The fronds grow in a rosette, often staying green through winter.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyDryopteridaceaeGenusPolystichum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its 'holly' name comes from its fronds' spiny-toothed edges, like mini Christmas holly!
This ancient fern is like a 'living fossil,' looking much like its ancestors millions of years ago.
Unlike flowering plants, the Northern Holly Fern reproduces with dust-like spores, not seeds!
You'll often find this tough fern growing high up on cold, rocky mountain slopes.
Special abilities
Ability
Winter Warrior
Northern Holly Fern has tough, evergreen fronds that can withstand cold and snow, allowing it to photosynthesize year-round.
Ability
Spore Power
Northern Holly Fern reproduces using tiny spores found on the undersides of its fronds, spreading without flowers or seeds.
Ability
Rock Gripper
Northern Holly Fern has strong roots that help it cling to rocky slopes and crevices, thriving where other plants struggle.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-90 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
Ecological connections
eaten by
Leopard Slug
Limax maximus
Its fronds may be nibbled by generalist slugs seeking moisture.
eaten by
Brown-headed Leafroller Moth
Ctenopseustis obliquana
Caterpillars feed on various fern species, including Polystichum.
shelters
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Common Rough Woodlouse
Porcellio scaber
Often finds damp, shaded refuge among its fronds and surrounding leaf litter.
Traits
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Holly FernRock Fern
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Northern Holly Fern?
30-90 cm
How wide does Northern Holly Fern spread?
30-60 cm
Is Northern Holly Fern edible?
No
Is Northern Holly Fern toxic?
None
What is Northern Holly Fern's lifecycle?
Perennial
Where is Northern Holly Fern usually found?
It lives in moist, shady forests and along streams.
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